Srinagar, April 19: Incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered waterlogging and flash flood-like conditions across various parts of Kashmir, causing widespread distress among residents and inflicting significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and horticulture.
Details available indicate severe flooding in the Hanjiwera Pattan area, with locals blaming poor drainage infrastructure. Residents cited repeated appeals to the authorities for the construction of a proper drainage system and dredging of Nallah Ferozpora, which frequently overflows, damaging crops and encroaching onto the main road.
“We have urged the authorities multiple times, but nothing concrete has been done,” a local resident said.
In response, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain, visited the affected areas and assured immediate support. He directed concerned departments to construct temporary bunds to prevent further flooding at vulnerable points.
MLA Pattan, Javid Reyaz Bedar, also visited affected areas in Pattan and directed line departments to provide emergency assistance, including deploying Jal Shakti water tankers to the affected localities.
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“The matter has already been taken up with higher authorities for long-term redressal,” Bedar said, acknowledging the toll this situation is taking on the people.
In Sopore’s Haritar village, flood threats loomed large as rising water levels in nearby water channels sparked fears of inundation in residential areas. The administration, however, swiftly responded by deploying men and machinery. Immediate protection measures were taken to safeguard vulnerable spots and prevent the water from entering homes.
Similar reports emerged from Bandipora, where residents of Gorpora-Papchan are grappling with the looming threat of floods.
“The administration is fully prepared to handle any situation arising from the prevailing weather conditions,” said Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri.
In Kupwara, panic spread among residents as Kehmil Nallah overflowed at Tumina Chowkibal and entered residential areas, forcing several families to relocate to safer locations.
In Handwara’s Gulab Colony Bakiaker, residents demanded the immediate construction of safety bunds, stating that a nearby waterbody is eroding a vital road. “We haven’t slept the whole night,” said one resident, reflecting the fear and uncertainty.
Residents claimed to have approached the concerned departments multiple times, but said they received no response.
Meanwhile, adding to the crisis, hailstorms and strong winds ravaged parts of Baramulla and Handwara—particularly in Boniyar and Rafiabad—damaging orchards and uprooting trees. A major tree fall along the Handwara–Magam road was promptly cleared by police to restore traffic.
Affected residents have urged the administration to prioritize long-term mitigation measures, including the development of proper drainage systems, permanent bunds, and the dredging of water bodies to prevent recurring distress with every spell of rain.
Expressing concern over the extensive damage, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Agriculture Production said the recent spell of adverse weather has dealt a severe blow to livelihoods dependent on agriculture and horticulture.
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“We are actively assessing the ground situation. The government is fully committed to providing timely relief and every possible support to the affected families,” he said.
The Meteorological Department had earlier issued an alert for adverse weather, prompting district and sub-district administrations to activate control rooms and advisories—(KNO)
